Apart from the German Grand Prix, Mercedes and Lewis Hamilton have had a relatively easy first half of the 2019 Formula 1 season. The Brit leads the championship 62 points and has benefited from a drop in form from teammate Valtteri Bottas.
Bottas' drop in results has been replaced by a flying Max Verstappen. The Dutchman has charged forward over the last four races, including two race wins and a 2nd place. Even though it means the Silver Arrows have some work to do, Hamilton is pleased Red Bull have upped their game.
"I really am happy especially after a period of time when everyone was so negative [about F1] and then we've had this big step up from the Red Bulls and we have a really good battle on our hands and it looks like it's here to stay. I truly think the second half of the season could be much harder for us," Hamilton told the BBC.
Going into the second half of the season, the Formula 1 circus will visit Spa and Monza. Hamilton believes these types of tracks will play into the hands of Ferrari which should produce a three-way fight.
"Ferrari will come back into play in places like Spa and Monza - they'll be quick on the straights and there are not a lot of corners. That bodes well for them. Red Bull have been doing great and it is awesome to see and I hope their performance continues," Hamilton added.